Ferrum College vs. MBC

Comparable Facts

Compare Ferrum College in Ferrum, VA with Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mary Baldwin University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (1,772 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferrum College is located in Ferrum, VA (Distant Rural setting); Mary Baldwin University is in Staunton, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Ferrum College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mary Baldwin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferrum College 11:1; Mary Baldwin University 15:1.

Ferrum College vs. MBC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferrum College or MBC? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Mary Baldwin University than Ferrum College ($17,810 vs. $20,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mary Baldwin University are 13.7% lower than at Ferrum College ($11,411 vs. $13,230).
• Mary Baldwin University is 19.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ferrum College (about $5,632 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $28,520.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.7% higher at MBC than at Ferrum College (about $5,632 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $28,520.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mary Baldwin University than at Ferrum College (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 22.4% larger than aid received by Mary Baldwin University students ($34,444 vs. $28,135).

Ferrum College vs. MBC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ferrum College or MBC? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between MBC and Ferrum College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mary Baldwin University (1030) is 40 points higher than at Ferrum College (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferrum College 880/1100; Mary Baldwin University 940/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMary Baldwin University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ferrum College - Test optional; MBC - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman MBC students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Ferrum College (3.14).

Ferrum College vs. MBC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferrum College and MBC? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Mary Baldwin University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Ferrum College's (31%).
• Graduates from Ferrum College earn a median of about $600 more per year than MBC graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,000 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mary Baldwin University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Ferrum College graduates ($27,000 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, MBC graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferrum College graduates ($279 vs. $289).
• More MBC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferrum College students, three years after graduation. (53% vs. 49%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.